Christ the King statue (Small Mountain)
A statue of Christ with open arms on top of Small Mountain, completed in 1994. The way up is a long flight of steep steps; from the base you can see Back Beach and Nghinh Phong Cape.
Vung Tau Lighthouse
The lighthouse stands about 170 m up on Small Mountain; the current tower dates from the early 20th century. The road to the top is short but steep, with views over the city and the river mouth.
White Villa (Bach Dinh)
An early 20th-century French villa on the slope of Big Mountain, looking over Front Beach. It houses exhibits and is surrounded by green gardens.
Nghinh Phong Cape
The southern tip of the Vung Tau peninsula, windy and rocky. The rocks are uneven, so wear shoes with grip; beautiful at sunrise.
Hon Ba islet
A small rocky islet with a shrine, just off Back Beach. You can only walk out at low tide, so watch the tide times.
Niet Ban Tinh Xa Pagoda
A pagoda on the slope of Small Mountain along Ha Long road, with a reclining Buddha and sea views. Dress respectfully when visiting.
Thich Ca Phat Dai
A Theravada pagoda complex on Big Mountain with many statues and reliefs about the life of the Buddha. The grounds are large with many steps.
Ho May Park
A leisure park on top of Big Mountain reached by cable car, with a lake, gardens and rides. Tickets are sold as packages; check at the counter or the official site.
Back Beach (Thuy Van Beach)
The city’s longest beach along Thuy Van road, with fine sand and plenty of services. Early morning and late afternoon are the busiest swimming times.
Front Beach
A curved beach by the city centre with a park along Quang Trung street. Not ideal for swimming; best for walking and watching the sunset.
Ho Tram Beach
A stretch of golden sand in former Xuyen Moc, with resorts and casuarina forest. Quieter than Vung Tau and good for an overnight stay.
Ho Coc
A beach next to rocky outcrops and coastal forest, a few kilometres from Ho Tram. The water is fairly clear in the dry season; some access paths are inside resort grounds.
Map of the places
Request pickup or drop-off near the places listed in this guide. Staff confirm the accessible meeting point, travel date, vehicle and quote before booking.
Choose a place from the list to view its location on Google Maps. Use the Directions link on each place card to plan your journey.
Where to stay
We do not take commission from hotels. Room rates change with the season – please check directly.
Good to know
- Climb to the Christ statue and the lighthouse early in the morning or late afternoon; there are many steps, so wear shoes with good grip.
- Hon Ba islet can only be reached on foot at low tide; check the tide times and come back early.
- Back Beach is best for swimming; Front Beach is better for a walk and the sunset.
- Avoid driving back to Ho Chi Minh City on Sunday afternoon to skip the traffic on National Road 51.
- If you are going to Ho Tram – Ho Coc, visit Vung Tau in the morning and continue along the coast.
Frequently asked questions
Which province is Vung Tau in now?
Since 1 July 2025 Vung Tau has been part of Ho Chi Minh City, after Ba Ria – Vung Tau province was merged.
Can I visit Vung Tau in a day?
Yes, if you leave early. Small Mountain (Christ statue, lighthouse), Nghinh Phong Cape, Back Beach and the White Villa are close together and can be done in 5–6 hours.
How far is Ho Tram from Vung Tau?
About 50 km along the coastal road, roughly an hour’s drive.
Can I walk out to Hon Ba at any time?
No. The path only appears at low tide, so check the tide table and come back before the water rises.
Real cars at the Car Rental Vietnam depot
Other destinations
Services and information for your trip
Choose a service: Ho Chi Minh City to Vung Tau private car: one-way and return prices.
Plan your journey: Vung Tau Road Trip by Car 2026: Route, Food, Parking.
Compare vehicles: 7-seat cars · 16-seat vans.